# Gopher Snake (*Pituophis catenifer*) Gopher Snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because of their color! They are friendly and help control the rodent population. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 50 - **Habitat:** Grasslands and open forests - **Also known as:** Bull Snake ![Gopher Snake](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424499/objects/5690.jpg) ## Appearance The Gopher Snake is a large, powerful snake with a pointed snout. It has a base color of tan, yellow, or cream, covered with distinct dark brown or black blotches and keeled scales. This patterning can sometimes make it look like a rattlesnake. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Serpentes - **Family:** Colubridae - **Genus:** Pituophis ## Interesting facts - Gopher Snakes are non-venomous, so they are harmless to humans! - Some Gopher Snakes can grow over 7 feet long, making them quite impressive! - Their scientific name, \*Pituophis catenifer\*, means 'pine snake chain-bearer' because of their markings. - These amazing snakes help farmers by eating lots of rodents that damage crops. ## Special abilities - **Rattlesnake Ruse:** Gopher Snake can vigorously shake its tail against dry leaves, creating a rattling sound to scare away potential threats. - **Constrictor Cuddle:** Gopher Snake uses its strong body to coil tightly around prey, constricting it until it can no longer breathe. - **Ground Breaker:** Gopher Snake has a unique pointed snout that helps it burrow into soft soil to find prey or shelter. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 90-210 cm - **Weight:** 0.5-2.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 10-15 years - **Speed:** 4 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 2-24 - **Incubation:** 60-70 days ## Diet & Feeding Gopher Snakes are fantastic hunters that love to eat small animals like rodents, birds, and their eggs! - **Primary Foods:** Rodents (gophers, mice, rats), Birds, Bird eggs, Lizards, Small rabbits - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [California Vole](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-vole) (*Microtus californicus*) — A primary prey item, helping to control vole populations. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Young Gopher Snakes are vulnerable to large raptors. - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — Coyotes will prey on Gopher Snakes they encounter. - **Hunts:** [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Spermophilus beecheyi*) — Preys on ground squirrels, often entering their burrows. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Gopher Snake? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Gopher Snake? 90-210 cm ### How much does Gopher Snake weigh? 0.5-2.5 kg ### How long does Gopher Snake live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Gopher Snake move? 4 km/h ### What does Gopher Snake eat? Gopher Snakes are fantastic hunters that love to eat small animals like rodents, birds, and their eggs! ### Where is Gopher Snake usually found? Grasslands and open forests ### How does Gopher Snake hunt? Ambush ## Where to spot - [Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/antelope-valley-california-poppy-reserve-state-natural-reserve) — California, US · State Park - [Arroyo Conejo Open Space](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arroyo-conejo-open-space) — California, US · Park - [Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-diamond-mines-regional-preserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Chilocco Indian Agricultural School](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chilocco-indian-agricultural-school) — Oklahoma, US · Campus - [Clayton Public Schools Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/clayton-public-schools-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Conejo Valley Botanical Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/conejo-valley-botanical-garden) — California, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/gopher-snake) ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Gopher Snake: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake)